Congestion Charge Zones in the UK: Complete Guide
Congestion charges are fees charged for driving in certain city zones during peak times. Learn about London's schemes and how to avoid penalties.
London Congestion Charge
The London Congestion Charge is a daily fee for driving in central London during charging hours. For emissions-based charges, see our ULEZ guide.
Key Details
- Charge: ÂŖ15 per day
- Hours: 7am-6pm, Monday-Friday
- Weekends: 12pm-6pm, Saturday-Sunday
- Payment: Must be paid by midnight the same day
â ī¸ Warning
Failure to pay results in a ÂŖ160 penalty charge notice (reduced to ÂŖ80 if paid within 14 days).
Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
ULEZ operates 24/7, 365 days a year across all London boroughs. Vehicles must meet emission standards or pay a daily charge.
ULEZ Charges
- Cars, vans, motorcycles: ÂŖ12.50 per day
- Lorries, buses, coaches: ÂŖ100 per day
- Operating hours: 24/7, every day
Exemptions
Some vehicles are exempt from ULEZ charges:
- Petrol cars meeting Euro 4 standards (generally 2006 onwards)
- Diesel cars meeting Euro 6 standards (generally 2015 onwards)
- Electric and hydrogen vehicles
- Historic vehicles (40+ years old)
- Disabled passenger vehicles with valid blue badge
Durham Congestion Charge
Durham has a small congestion charge zone in the city centre.
- Charge: ÂŖ2.00
- Hours: 10am-4pm, Monday-Saturday
How to Pay
- Online at tfl.gov.uk (for London charges)
- TfL app on your smartphone
- Phone: 0343 222 2222
- Set up Auto Pay for automatic payments
đĄ Tip
Check if your vehicle meets ULEZ standards before driving into London. Use the TfL vehicle checker online.
Avoiding Charges
- Use public transport when visiting central London
- Park at Park & Ride facilities outside the zone
- Consider upgrading to a ULEZ-compliant vehicle
- Plan routes to avoid congestion zones when possible